Baytelman to launch Filene concert season Oct. 2

Pianist Pola Baytelman, senior artist-in-residence and Steinway Artist in Skidmore's Music Department, will open the Filene Recital Hall concert season presenting "The Piano Works of Isaac Alb niz" in concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, in Filene Recital Hall.   Admission is free and open to the public.

The program will begin with a lecture-demonstration followed by Baytelman's presentation of the following works:  Pavana Capricho, Op. 12; Recuerdos de viaje, Op. 71, No. 6; Doce piezas caracter sticas, Op. 92; No. 12; Espagne (souvenirs), No. 2; and selections from Iberia: 12 nouvelle 'impressions' en quatre cahiers.

Music Department Chair Thomas Denny notes, "Pola is internationally known for her work on Alb niz (1860-1909), both her compelling performances of his piano music and her impressive scholarly contributions to our understanding of the Spanish composer.  His music captures the sounds and personality of his native country, which he shapes into music of depth, rich and vivid colors, and imposing virtuosity. Pola is in her element in this music, and her recording of Alb niz' massive suite, Iberia, was ranked by one critic as one of the best ever recorded, right alongside that made by the legendary Catalan pianist, Alicia de Larrocha." 

Friday's event is a preview of an upcoming performance by Baytelman at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.